Corbin Public Library board discusses adding notary public to library services

The Corbin Public Library is considering adding notary public to its public services.

At the regular meeting of the library board last Thursday, the board members asked Director Donna Chadwell to contact the library’s attorney, Wes Tipton to determine whether or not it would be permissible for the library to do so.

“I’m for it, if we can do it and make it affordable,” Chadwell said.

Chadwell said Tuesday that she will be speaking with Tipton and representatives from the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives (KDLA) about the matter in the coming weeks.

A notary public is a state official empowered to witness the signing of important documents in an effort to deter fraud and ensure the parties’ signatures are valid.

The state application to be filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office requires at $10 application fee.

The completed application is then sent back and filed at the county clerk’s office.

“You can file to be a notary in the county you live in or the county you work in,” said Knox County Clerk Mike Corey.

A notary is required to post a bond.

Corey said the bond, in the amount of $500, is not a cash bond.

“You just have to have someone sign the bond,” Corey explained.

Documents requiring a notary’s signature include contracts, powers of attorney and deeds.